Microsoft’s Windows 10 Mobile could be making a comeback in 2018 thanks to the Mirabook laptop that uses the Continuum feature to power it.
One of the better features of the rather lacklustre Windows 10 Mobile platform was Continuum, which allowed users to run a desktop-like version of the mobile operating system when connected to a monitor or dock, effectively bridging the gap between mobile and desktop Windows 10 experiences in a rather basic fashion.
Originally teased at CES back in January, the Mirabook builds upon that idea but essentially uses Continuum to pipe Windows 10 Mobile into it while providing a 1080p 13.3-inch display, a backlit keyboards and a whole range of connections running from USB Type-C to HDMI and the faithful 3.5mm audio jack.
Essentially, the Mirabook provides all the additional kit you need to get the most out of Continuum, wrapped up in a aluminium chassis and offering a 10 hour battery life, without the need for extra docks, breakout boxes and peripherals. And it does this for a reasonable $249/£186.
The Mirabook offers a fairly affordable way to access mobile Windows 10 apps in laptop form without the need to wrangle with web or Android versions of them on a Chromebook, which have previously offered cost-effective alternatives to Windows 10 machines.
But there doesn’t appear to be a huge amount of people using Windows 10 Mobile phones; look around any public area and you’ll spot iPhones and Android handsets but not many Windows-based phones.
This doesn’t appear to be a concern for the Mirabook as it also offers support for Android devices that offer desktop experiences, notably Samsung’s Galaxy S8 and Galaxy Note 8 through Samsung’s DeX interface, and the Huawei Mate 10 via it’s EMUI desktop user interface.
As such, the Mirabook could be the device you’ll want if you fancy getting more out of your Windows 10 Mobile device or a compatible flagship Android phone. Pre-orders of the Mirabook are live with units expected to ship around May next year.
Related: Best laptops of 2017
Can the Mirabook breath life into a flagging Windows 10 Mobile? Let us know your thoughts on Facebook or tweet @TrustedReviews.
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.